This Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and cozy. It’s filled with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and hearty noodles—perfect for chilly days.
You can’t beat the smell of garlic while it simmers away. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! I love serving it with some crusty bread to soak up every drop.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for flavor and health! If you’re low on olive oil, you can use canola or vegetable oil. For a richer taste, you can also try butter.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a bold flavor but you could swap it with garlic powder—1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder equals 1 clove of fresh garlic. I love adding extra garlic for a punch!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but if you’re in a hurry, low-sodium store-bought broth works well. If you only have water, you can flavor it with bouillon cubes, just watch the salt!
Pasta: Rotini is my go-to for this soup because it captures the broth well! Egg noodles are another fine option, but you can also use any pasta you prefer or have handy—just adjust cooking times as needed.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup Has A Rich Flavor?
To get the most flavor from your soup, sauté the garlic, onion, and celery first. This technique forms a flavorful base. Don’t rush this step! Cook them until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Start with medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the garlic, onion, and celery. Stir occasionally until the onion looks translucent.
- This step releases the natural flavors of these ingredients, making your soup delicious.
Finally, let your soup simmer. This allows all those tasty flavors to meld together, so be patient!
Garlic Herb Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley or 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups rotini pasta or egg noodles
- Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and will require an additional 20 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to make this delicious, warming soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and celery. Sauté these ingredients until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. This will give your soup a wonderful base flavor!
2. Add the Carrots:
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrots will add sweetness and a lovely texture to the soup.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until the carrots are tender. This is where the soup starts to come together!
4. Combine the Chicken and Herbs:
After the carrots are tender, stir in the shredded chicken, dried parsley, thyme, and optional rosemary. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the rotini pasta (or whichever noodles you’ve chosen). Cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
6. Final Taste Adjustment:
Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Be sure it’s just right for your liking!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot soup in bowls, garnished with extra fresh parsley if you like. This soup pairs beautifully with some crusty bread for dunking—enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this soup. Just shred the chicken and add it in at the step where you include the cooked chicken. This saves time and adds great flavor!
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the rotini or egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta often cooks faster!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water, as the pasta can absorb some of the liquid over time.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Before freezing, let it cool completely. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags—just remember that the pasta may become a bit softer once thawed. Reheat from frozen on the stove or in the microwave!
